My wife and I just returned from a trip to Paris (10/21-10/28). Everything was beautiful, the people were friendly, and we felt extremely safe...but the museums are all CLOSED. This is not a joke. Every museum was closed (Louvre, Dorsay, Versailles, Picasso...etc). Apparently, there's a law on the books that limits them to 35 hours/week, but the govt hasn't been enforcing the law. The workers are now striking to force the govt to hire more workers. The strike has been going on since early Oct. I had no idea about the strike until we arrived. I guess the French ministry of Tourism is doing a pretty effective job of suppressing this.

Nous have know about the museum strikes in Paris for weeks. Where have vous been? Vous should never go on a trip without checking this board first. Nous are the eyes and ears of the monde. Quelle domage pour vous.

Wow what a drag, I cant believe you missed out.I had a slightly similar thing happen to me in Ireland.There were certain ruined priorys that were supposed to be open sites, but when we arrived there were locks on the gates to gain entrance.I still dont know what was up with that.

You picked the wrong period to visit Parisian museums: they opened again today.

Sorry, I can relate to your disappointment. This happened to us on our first visit to Paris, but it will be a good excuse for you to return again! Don't give up! <BR>

Now thats the attitude! There is a silver lining to every cloud, mabye you are meant to return.

No, it's not a secret, it's reported in the press almost every day (in France). But this is not the kind of news that makes the New York Times, you know, you didn't expect them to call you up personally to tell you, did you? Anyway, the museums weren't all closed, but probably the main ones you were interested in were, I know. Although not as easy to use in France, I suppose, the daily list of what is open, closed, partially open, free, etc is on the Minister of Culture's web site (www.culture.gouv.fr) at right side "liste mis a jour" or you can call this number in Paris: 08-25-88-26-50 each day. Today, the Cluny museum and Arc de Triomphe were closed entirely, apparently. Also, you have not been paying attention to Fodors, that's true, as it's been posted on here several times, so don't come crying to us to complain about it after your trip if you don't read the notices before (it is curious you come online to Fodors to post a complaint within a day of getting home, so you must have known and read this web site?) Well, my personal mantra is: Soyons réalistes, demandons l'impossible! <BR>(old slogan from mai 68)

Was the whole of Versailles closed, or just a museum there? In other words, is the whole of Versailles considered to be one 'attraction' that is likely to be affected by such actions again? <BR> <BR>I missed Versailles this time, not because of strikes, but because (foolish me) I forgot they close on Mondays. So for my next visit, I will be more cautious!

Too bad, but now you can go back with a good excuse-I am glad you had a good experience with the rest of the trip, Paris itself is like a museum, such a work of art, so don't feel too bad..a lot of people were there and bought museum passes from their hotels, while the strike was on and the hotels didn't even know/or say anything...so don't feel bad that you weren't told..this is one of those travel lessons we all learn~now start planning the next trip~

Bummer! When we were in Paris last Sept., the day we were leaving the cab drivers were on strike! Had we been a day later, we probably would not have gotten out - not that I would have minded - as they lined up one after the other blocking the entrance and exit to the airports! They were on strike to protest gas prices. <BR> <BR>The funniest part was when I got back home and was talking to a colleague who travels there frequently. He told me "Oh, someone's always on strike there - that's just the way they are!" Appears he is correct!! At least now you have a reason to return soon!

the strike of museum workers seeks a 35 hour work week. according to the web site lesgreves.com, the strike is "suspended" (except the Pompidou Center, the Arc de Triompe and the Guimet Museum) pending further negotiations. that's a good description of all strikes and most sectors of france.

1. I didn't post this message to complain, but rather to let people know the museums were closed. I'm glad they're open again. Don't get me wrong, we loved our week in Paris, and we don't regret going. <BR> <BR>2. I checked Fodor's website twice prior to leaving and never once did I see anything mentioning that the museums were closed. <BR> <BR>3. Why would you ([email protected]) post a message to gloat over another person's misfortune? Unlike you, my job isn't to plan vacations, so I don't have countless hours to devote to researching every aspect. That was my travel agents job. The nature of your posting clearly identifies you as a hateful person. I feel sorry for you.